Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu is THE book to combine Judo and BJJ – BUY IT NOW!
For those who are still not convinced, read on.
Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu caused a storm in the Judo and BJJ world when it was published in 2006 and has been one of the main reasons for the production of this website. Written by Dave Camarillo (and Erich Krauss), it remains the definitive work to date on the combination of BJJ and Judo. The book begins by explaining that there are three main sections:
1) Incorporating Judo and Jiu-Jitsu
2) From pitches to submissions
3) Flying attacks
Dave explains that a BJJ student should effectively progress their development in this order by incorporating Judo into their game.
“The Birth of Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu”
Here we learn that Dave Camarillo and his brother Dan have been practicing judo for almost their entire lives. After a knee injury prevented him from training on his feet, Dave visited Ralph Gracie’s academy after watching BJJ in the UFC. In his first session, Ralph submitted Dave in a triangle using only his legs. Dave was hooked!
With BJJ now added to an impressive arsenal of judo skills, Dave began to dominate competitions in both sports. He now trains UFC veteran Sean Sherk and UFC fighters Josh Thomson, Jon Fitch, Mike Swick, Forrest Griffin and Josh Koscheck. We also learn that Dave feuded with Ralph Gracie and some of his clashes with judo coaches who refused to acknowledge his abilities and saw Jiu-Jitsu as a threat. To understand the level of dominance Dave exerted over many of his opponents, it’s best to purchase the Dave Against The Machine DVD, akin to watching a young Tyson pummel his opponents senseless! I think it’s still available on On The Mat.
The first section of Guerrilla Jiu-Jitsu can be divided into:
i) Filming and Falls
ii) Cuffs
iii) Throws
iv) Technical meshing
This first section is probably the one I use the most. The twists and drops are covered in a level of detail not seen in any other Judo book and the relevance of the twists and drops goes beyond just saving your back. Any newcomer to a judo club will appreciate taking the time to learn how to properly arrest a fall, and Dave points out that a blocked fall prevented serious injury in a motorcycle accident.
The Grips section is sufficient and more pragmatic than Neil Adams’ excellent but slightly disorganized “Grips” book. The toss and mesh sections are beautifully photographed in excellent detail and even now, I discover new gems that I had missed before.
From throws to submissions
I really like the second section titled “From pitches to submissions.” Dave emphasizes some quick “kill” armbars (ironically, my own BJJ Blackbelt trainer has already highlighted that some quick kills were needed in my game) and some failed armbar section combinations where an opponent grabs their own arm, what Eddie Bravo calls “the Spider’s Web”, though Dave doesn’t tend to hold the leg on the near side.
It then details its “Impact Control Variables”. This shows 5 different post-launch positions that depend on your original grip, and shows various armbars and chokes to immediately end with a submission. These positions can also be used in the regular practice of kneeling on the stomach after the guard has been passed. Detailed are kouchi-gari’s Armlock finishes, foot sweeps, half guard, tomoe nage, and as counters to fire carries. Dave then shows some BJJ-specific Judo counters (two guard passes against BJJ guard players who just pull guard) and an Anti-Judo counter that shows a way to block Judo players getting up. .
Dave also demonstrates two guard pass techniques designed to immediately pass the guard when an opponent simply jumps onto his back. For Jiu-Jitsu competition, I haven’t seen anyone else cover this area in an instructable.
flying attacks
This is the most spectacular section of any martial arts book. To really appreciate Dave’s skill here, you have to watch the amazing “Dave Against The Machine” DVD. He hits people so hard with his flying arms that it really is like watching a Tyson of BJJ and Judo combined. I can’t think of another worthy comparison. Another factor that a book can’t convey is how quickly Dave Camarillo finishes fights against top-tier opponents in competition, be it BJJ or Judo. Once you’ve seen footage of Dave in action, the importance of the methods he displays becomes truly apparent.
Guerilla Jiu-Jitsu once again demonstrates the usual details and nearly every available flying armlock scenario, and a series of counters based on your opponents’ reaction. I found that I was quickly landing the flying arm bars in practice, but I must recommend that you use a crash mat to begin with. I also advise that when a partner is practicing a flying arm or punching, that you don’t try to break his fall. It’s a quick way to insult your back!
general
I recommend this book above any other. If you train Judo or BJJ, then you must train the other. This is not only the first book of its kind, but its revolutionary.
There have been a couple reviews on the web that I have come across. First of all, some have emphasized the lack of fundamentals of Guerilla jiu-jitsu BJJ. To this I say that the key is in the subtitle: “Revolutionizing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu”. So, it’s assumed that you already have a basic appreciation of BJJ fundamentals and the last thing the BJJ market needed was another “this is shrimp” type book. Second, it has been argued that Guerilla Jiu-Jitsu just shows a lot of moves. AAAAAAGGGGHHHHHH!!!!! It is not like this; the problem is that even now, very few people train judo and BJJ. Some of the details about Judo I have not seen anywhere else, not even in the entire Ippon series, nor in any of the other Judo books or DVDs out there. They are not overt and sometimes only very subtle, such as the “hip throw counter” with the arm at the back of the neck and the elbow down, displayed as part of a flying attack.
From an editorial perspective, Victory Belt has earned a reputation for having the best photography in the industry. The images are detailed where necessary and I think I read that there are over 700 photographs.
THIS BOOK IS EXCELLENT. COME BUY IT!!!
